Rick Santorum testing waters for 2016

WASHINGTON — Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has taken a step toward another presidential bid.

His campaign says it's set up an account declaring that Santorum, a Republican, is "testing the waters" for a potential run. The colloquial-sounding phrase is actually a formal candidate status with the Federal Election Commission.

By taking that step, which was first reported by CBS News, Santorum's campaign can raise limited funds and engage in other activities to prepare for a presidential run, such as conducting polling. Any money raised during that period is not disclosed until a formal campaign committee is launched.

As Santorum inches forward, two Republicans already have announced their presidential campaigns. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul kicked off his effort this week, and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz did so late last month.

"Nothing has changed in relation to the timeline for the senator to make a final decision," Santorum spokesman Matt Beynon said in an email. "He still plans to make a final decision in spring."

Santorum, however, is among several expected candidates who have received pressure from a campaign finance watchdog group to either say they're in – or to stop playing the part.

The Campaign Legal Center filed complaints with the Federal Election Commission alleging that Santorum, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley are violating campaign finance rules by acting like candidates before they've filed paperwork limiting them to certain fundraising and other requirements.